Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Glossy Ibis
Scientific name:	Plegadis falcinellus
Date:	08-14-08
Time:	10:00am
Length of time observed:	Less than 1 minutes
Number:	1
Age:	adult
Sex:	unknown
Location:	Kennecott Inland Sea Shorebird Reserve
County:	Salt Lake
Latilong:
Elevation:	4200'
Distance to bird:	20-30'
Optical equipment:	10x42 optics, 400mm camera lens
Weather:	Sunny and Clear
Light Conditions:	Bright morning sunlight
Description: Size of bird:	Fairly large
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Ibis-shaped
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Shiny Maroon, green, brown
(Description:) Bill Type:	Long downcurved bill
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Basically identical to White-faced Ibis in overall plumage. Both Plegadis Ibis are unmistakable in overall glossy color pattern. This bird had a brownish down-curved bill, with an obvious bluish patch of facial skin, bordered on the top and bottom by a thin pale line. The bird had a dark eye with no hint of red. I would guess it was a molting adult bird as there was some speckled feathering on the head and neck, but not a whole lot. The bird flew by twice before landing in a field with tall grass to feed. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	none
Behavior:	flying
Habitat:	freshwater marsh
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	White-faced Ibis - I believe the lack of any red in the eye is a good indicator that this is not only not a hybrid but not a WFIB either. The brownish bill along with the facial skin color and pale border would also seem to eliminate WFIB or a hybrid.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	Have seen a couple in Utah and numerous on the east coast.
References consulted:	None
Description from:	From memory
Observer:	Tim Avery
Observer's address:	Salt Lake City, Utah
Observer's e-mail address:	tanager@timaverybirding.com
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	none
Date prepared:	09/15/08
Additional material:	Photos
Additional Comments: